A Subaru WRX Owner's Guide to Engine Mount Replacement (2018-2024)
Learn to spot failing engine mounts on your WRX and choose the right aftermarket replacement for your needs.
- Symptoms of failure include heavy vibration at idle, clunking noises when accelerating, and visible engine movement.
- Standard aftermarket brands (Anchor, Westar) are affordable but may not be as durable as OEM parts.
- Performance brands (Whiteline) improve response but will add noticeable vibration and noise (NVH) to the cabin.
- Replacement is a difficult 4-7 hour job that requires supporting the engine; professional installation is recommended for most owners.
Is Your WRX Engine Mount Failing?
The engine mounts on your WRX work hard to control the powerful boxer engine. Over time, the rubber can crack, tear, or get soft from heat and stress. When this happens, you'll start to notice some clear signs. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more stress on other parts like your transmission and exhaust.
Key Symptoms of a Bad Engine Mount:
- Excessive Vibration: This is the most common sign. You might feel a strong vibration in your steering wheel, seats, or floor, especially when the car is idling. This shaking can get worse when you turn the A/C on.
- Clunking or Banging Noises: A loud “clunk” or “thud” from the engine bay when you accelerate hard, let off the gas, or shift gears is a bad sign. This is the sound of the engine moving too much and hitting other parts.
- Visible Engine Movement: Open your hood and have a friend watch the engine. With the parking brake on and the car in neutral, give the gas a quick rev. If the engine rocks or jumps more than an inch or so, the mounts are likely worn out. 🎬 Watch: See what bad WRX engine mounts look like in action.
- Jerky Shifting: Especially in manual transmission cars, bad mounts can make shifts feel sloppy or cause the car to lurch. This happens because the whole engine and transmission assembly is moving when it shouldn't be.
Generation Note: VA vs. VB WRX
The 2018-2024 year range covers two different WRX generations: the VA (2018-2021) and the VB (2022-2024). These cars have different engines and chassis. Engine mounts are often NOT interchangeable between these generations. Always verify the part fits your exact year before ordering.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Engine Mount
When replacing your WRX engine mounts, you have two main types of aftermarket parts to choose from. The best choice depends on how you use your car.
Tier 1: Standard Replacements (Anchor, Westar)
These brands make engine mounts that are designed to be like the original factory parts. They focus on providing a smooth, quiet ride by absorbing engine vibrations.
- Best for: Daily drivers who want to fix a broken mount and restore the original feel of the car without spending a lot of money.
- Pros: Affordable, designed for quiet operation.
- Cons: Some owners in forums report that budget brands may not last as long as the original factory parts or fit perfectly.
Tier 2: Performance Upgrades (Whiteline)
Brands like Whiteline use stiffer materials, like polyurethane, instead of soft rubber. This greatly reduces engine movement, which can improve throttle response and make the car feel more connected.
- Best for: Enthusiast drivers who take their car to the track or enjoy spirited driving and want better performance.
- Pros: Improves throttle response, makes shifting feel more precise, and increases durability under high power.
- Cons: The main trade-off is a significant increase in Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH). You will feel more engine vibration in the cabin, and the car will be louder.
What is NVH?
NVH stands for Noise, Vibration, and Harshness. Performance engine mounts are stiffer, so they transmit more of the engine's natural vibrations into the car's frame and into the cabin, where you can feel and hear them. This is a normal trade-off for the performance benefits they provide.
Known Issues, Recalls, and Bulletins
As of early 2026, there are no specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from Subaru or the NHTSA for widespread engine mount failures on the 2018-2024 WRX. However, these mounts are considered a normal wear-and-tear item, especially on a performance car that is driven hard.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost (Pair) |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket (Standard) | $85 - $120 |
| New Aftermarket (Performance) | $150 - $350+ |
| New OEM | $160 - $250 |
| Shop Labor | $450 - $800 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install new engine mounts myself?
This is a difficult and potentially dangerous job for a beginner. 🎬 See this step-by-step installation guide for the VA WRX. It is rated as an advanced DIY task, taking 4-7 hours. You must safely support the full weight of the engine before unbolting the old mounts. If the engine shifts or falls, it can cause serious injury or damage to the car. For most people, having a professional mechanic do the installation is the safest choice.
Do I need performance mounts if I've added power to my WRX?
It's a good idea. The stock engine mounts are designed for stock power levels. If you have significantly increased your engine's horsepower and torque, the stock rubber mounts can wear out quickly or even tear. Performance mounts will handle the extra power and help get it to the wheels more effectively.
Will new engine mounts fix my sloppy shifter feel?
Yes, they can make a big difference. Worn mounts allow the entire engine and transmission to move, which adds slack and vagueness to your shifts. Installing new, firm mounts (especially performance ones) will hold the drivetrain steady, resulting in a much more solid and direct shift feel.
Why is it so important to get the right part for my year?
The 2018-2021 WRX (VA) and the 2022-2024 WRX (VB) are different cars. They use different engines, and the mounting points and part designs can change. Even between the WRX and WRX STI models of the same year, the parts are often different. Always use your car's VIN to confirm you are buying the correct part to avoid a frustrating and costly mistake.
🎬 Watch: How to install engine mounts on the newer VB WRX.Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 41022SG000 41022VA000
This part consists of two main engine mounts, one on the left and one on the right side of the engine, bolting it to the subframe. They are constructed of metal and dense rubber. Performance versions may use polyurethane. Part numbers differ between VA (2018-21) and VB (2022-24) chassis, and between WRX and STI models.
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Subaru WRX:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- Is Your WRX Engine Mount Failing?
- Key Symptoms of a Bad Engine Mount:
- Generation Note: VA vs. VB WRX
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Engine Mount
- Tier 1: Standard Replacements (Anchor, Westar)
- Tier 2: Performance Upgrades (Whiteline)
- What is NVH?
- Known Issues, Recalls, and Bulletins
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 🎟️ Get 5% Off